Thousands Rally in Paris and Bordeaux to Defend Free Parties Against Ripost Bill
Paris, June 13, 2026 – Several thousand people marched through Paris and Bordeaux on Saturday to protest against the proposed Ripost bill, which aims to toughen legislation surrounding free parties. Demonstrators, largely young, paraded behind a dozen trucks blasting techno, trance, and electro music, creating a relaxed atmosphere that united partygoers and supporters of the movement.
Protestors Demand Freedom and Self-Management
Banners displayed by the protestors in Paris read: “Our raves are reality” and “Rapists in prison, not ravers.” The procession began at Place Stalingrad in northeastern Paris. Sebastian, 23, who, like other participants interviewed by AFP, preferred not to give his last name, stated, “What really bothers them (about free parties) is the fact that the state and the government do not have control over these self-managed places.”
Caroline, 29, recently discovered free parties after frequenting techno clubs for a long time. She described these events as “a space of freedom as we no longer find much in society.” She added, “Finding a place where you don’t have to pay, you don’t have to consume, I recognized myself much more in that than in techno clubs.”
Bordeaux Joins the Movement with a “Manifestive”
In Bordeaux, 2,500 partygoers, according to the prefecture, participated in a “manifestive” with similar demands. An anonymous organizer of unauthorized sound systems explained to AFP that she came to defend the “culture” of rave parties, which she believes is far “from what is being spread in the media regarding danger or cleanliness.” She asserted, “We constantly think about safety and waste. I have never organized a party that went wrong.” She concluded, “It bothers them that it’s free. We are fighting for freedom, and it’s even more important in the current context.”
Ripost Bill: Stricter Penalties and Lowered Thresholds
Collectives defending free parties initiated this mobilization, which has already seen several demonstrations across France since the end of May. The Ripost bill, adopted by the Senate, is awaiting debate in the National Assembly. For party organizers, it proposes a penalty of two years in prison and a 30,000 euro fine, and up to six months in prison and a 7,500 euro fine for participants. The mandatory declaration threshold for events would be lowered to 250 participants, compared to the current 500.
The current legislation, which allows up to 500 participants without prior declaration, is seen by organizers as a crucial element of their freedom. The proposed changes are perceived as an attack on this culture and a significant barrier to organizing such events. The free party movement emphasizes the importance of these gatherings as outlets for self-expression and community building, often providing accessible entertainment for those who cannot afford traditional venues.
Wider Implications and Public Reaction
The protests highlight a broader societal debate about public space, freedom of assembly, and the role of the state in regulating cultural events. While supporters of the bill argue for public safety and order, free party advocates emphasize the need for alternative cultural spaces and the right to organize without excessive bureaucratic hurdles. The movement has garnered support from various youth groups and civil liberties organizations, who view the Ripost bill as an infringement on fundamental freedoms.
The demonstrations in Paris and Bordeaux are part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness and pressure lawmakers to reconsider the stricter provisions of the Ripost bill. The outcome of the debate in the National Assembly will significantly impact the future of free parties in France, potentially setting a precedent for how such events are regulated across the country.
Source: Le Figaro avec AFP
